Helmet cooling device

ABSTRACT

A helmet air conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit including an electrical ventilating fan with a housing portion having one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; a battery power supply connected to energize the fan; a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.

This application claims priority benefit of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/958,459 filed in the names of Daniel Bacon andJesse Harrison on Dec. 10, 2010, the complete disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference, which claims priority benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/284,029 filed in the names ofDaniel Bacon and Jesse Harrison on Dec. 11, 2009, the completedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a helmet cooling device, andin particular to a light-weight, portable and self-contained device forproviding air circulation about the head and face of the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of “crash” type helmets are generally well-known in the priorart for use in a variety of different industries or avocations.Generally speaking, the helmet is used to protect the head of the wearerby preventing major impacts, thereby safeguarding the head and face ofthe wearer. For example, such helmets are commonly used by motorcycleenthusiasts and stock car and race car drivers, as well as constructionworkers and sports players. There are many situations, both work andsport, in which the wearing of a helmet is necessary or desirable.However, considerable discomfort can result from wearing a helmet,especially the full-face variety, for even a short period of timeparticularly in warm or humid weather.

Various styles of helmets are commercially available. All helmets tendto cover the entire head with a non-porous shell made of a plasticacrylic or other suitable synthetic type material. Since the wearer'shead emits heat, this non-porous shell often causes discomfort or evenunsafe wearing conditions. For example, heat trapped within the helmetinterior can cause the visor to fog and obscure vision. Sweat drippingdown in the wearer's face can also be distracting and obstruct vision.

Helmet manufacturers generally provide vents or air intake openings inhelmets, typically in the front portion of the helmet facing theoncoming air flow while driving. Canadian Patent Application No.2,171,265, entitled “Motor Cycle Helmet,” by Tsai, discusses this typehelmet design and alternative designs. The previously described airintake openings can allow water to enter the helmet when it is rainingoutside. Even if a movable closure plate is present, closing the intakevent causes the interior to steam up and create a stuffy, hot feeling.Tsai also describes alternative designs utilizing “conducting devices”and “opening and closing regulating heat sinks.” However, thesealternative designs suffered from various shortcomings such as poorinterior circulation, and allowing rain and water to seep in. Certain ofthe designs were complicated to implement, requiring the assembly ofmany parts.

The prior art addresses the problem of interior helmet heating byproviding “ventilating” systems. For example, exhaust and intake fanshave been provided on the rear of the helmet that work in conjunctionwith an intake port on the front of the helmet. The intake and exhaustfans may draw incoming air across a thermoelectric cooling element withthe cooled air being circulated through ventilating ducts to the helmetinterior. All these ventilating systems require large amounts of powerto operate. Accordingly, helmets utilizing prior art ventilating systemslimit the wearer's movements by an electrical cord connecting the helmetto an external power supply required just to power the ventilatingsystem.

Furthermore, every prior art “ventilating” system has required suchextreme modification of the helmet, that the helmet must be speciallydesigned to accommodate the ventilating system, and even manufacturedwith the ventilating system in situ.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a light-weight, portable and self-containedhelmet air conditioning unit configured with a ventilating fan devicefor providing air circulation in a helmet, without external power cordsconnecting the air conditioning unit to an external power supply andrestricting the wearer's movements. Additionally, the air conditioningunit is structured to work with pre-existing ventilation ducts and airflow spaces within the helmet to provide air circulation. Accordingly,the air conditioning unit can be connected to any helmet with or withoutventilation ducts, without modifying the helmet. The air conditioningunit can be removably anchored to the helmet, or permanently attached asa matter of preference.

According to one aspect of the invention the helmet air conditioningunit is configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaceswithin an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unitincluding an electrical ventilating fan with a housing portion havingone or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with theair flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; a battery powersupply connected to energize the fan; a solar power supply coupled torecharge the power battery supply; and a fan controller coupled foractuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one ormore exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby thepressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust portsof the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.

According to one aspect of the helmet air conditioning unit, the one ormore exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan are furtherpositioned in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within theinterior space of the helmet; and the pressurized air flow is furtherdirected through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion ofthe fan into the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmetwhen the fan is actuated.

According to one aspect of the helmet air conditioning unit, the helmetair conditioning unit further includes a cooling element that ispositionable within the pressurized air flow generated by the fan.

Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a helmet airconditioning unit embodied as a ventilating fan device having anelectrical fan with a flexible conformable remote solar collector;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the conformable remote solarcollector of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with oneconventional helmet of a type that is commercially available;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the helmet showing the flexibleremote solar collector of the helmet air conditioning unit conformed tothe helmet crown surface;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet which includes one or moreventilation duct rear intake port on the helmet rear surface;

FIG. 5 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet airconditioning unit in combination with the helmet, wherein the fan ismounted on the helmet's rear surface over the ventilation duct rearintake port;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the helmet with the ventilating fandevice of the helmet air conditioning unit having the fan positionedover the ventilation duct rear intake port, and the fan housing isconformed to the helmet surface for forming an air seal between the fanand the helmet surface;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the helmet that illustrates oneembodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with oneexemplary helmet ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioningunit shown here including an optional remote electrically poweredcooling element and an optionally thermostat controller mounted insidethe helmet;

FIG. 8 illustrates the helmet of a conventional type having oneembodiment of a fin-type spoiler positioned on the helmet crown surfacenear the rear surface;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the helmet air conditioningunit in combination with the helmet having the fin-type spoiler, whereinthe fan is mounted on the helmet's rear surface;

FIG. 10 illustrates the helmet of a conventional type having oneembodiment of a hood-type spoiler positioned on the helmet crown surfacenear the rear surface;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the helmet having the hood-type spoiler formedwith the rear intake ports in combination with one or more of theventilation duct forward intake ports on the helmet front surface;

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the ventilating fan device ofthe helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet havingthe hood-type spoiler;

FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unitin combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler, wherein thehelmet air conditioning unit further includes the battery pack powersupply on-board the ventilating fan device and also optionally includeseither the on-board solar collector or the conformable remote solarcollector for recharging the battery;

FIG. 14 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet airconditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-typespoiler with the fan housing having the extensions fit over thehood-type spoiler and the rear intake ports helmet ventilation ductsystem;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the ventilating fan device of the helmet airconditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-typespoiler, wherein the extensions of the fan housing are fitted over thehood-type spoiler with the blades of the centrifugal squirrel cageblower-type fan conformed to the helmet surface and positioned in closeproximity to the rear intake ports of the helmet;

FIG. 16 illustrates the helmet having anchors of the helmet airconditioning unit attached to the crown surface for mounting theventilating fan device;

FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of one alternative anchor mechanism thatincludes both the anchors and mating anchor receivers provided on thefan housing;

FIG. 18 is a section view through the fan and fan housing of theventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit that iscontoured to mate with the helmet's rear surface, wherein the fan is thesquirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades that areconformed to the curvature of the helmet's rear surface and furtherillustrates the internal ducting of the fan housing that is structuredto direct the pressurized air flow generated by the squirrel cage blowerfan over an optional on-board electrically powered cooling element andsubstantially directly into the rear intake ports of the helmet'sventilation duct system;

FIG. 19 illustrates the inner surface of the fan and housing of theventilating fan device.

FIG. 20 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet airconditioning unit in combination with a conventional helmet, such as aconventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forwardintake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is providedvia ducting that directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmetto the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system;

FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the helmet that illustrates oneembodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit having the ducting thatdirects the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interiorof the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system, the helmet airconditioning unit being illustrated in combination with one exemplaryhelmet ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioning unit shownhere including an optional remote electrically powered cooling elementand an optionally thermostat controller mounted inside the helmet; and

FIG. 22 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet airconditioning unit in combination with a conventional helmet, such as aconventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forwardintake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is providedvia ducting that takes air in through side air vents and directs the airflow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet andthe helmet's ventilation duct system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.

For purposes of the present discussion, the ventilating fan device isdescribed in connection with a motorcycle helmet. However, it will beunderstood that other type crash helmets can also benefit from theventilating fan device disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates the helmet air conditioning unit 10 embodied as aventilating fan device having an electrical ventilating fan 12, such asa 6 or 12 volt DC fan. The ventilating fan 12 is powered by a solarpower supply which is either an on-board solar collector 14 a mounteddirectly on a plastic housing portion 16 of the fan 12, or is a remotesolar collector 14 b connected to the fan 12 by an electrical cord 18.For example, the remote solar collector 14 b is of the known flexiblevariety that can be conformed to an external surface that is normallyexposed to the sun, such as the top portion of a helmet, as disclosedherein. Optionally, a battery pack power supply 20 may provide operatingpower to the fan 12. The battery pack 20 may be carried on-board (shown)being connected to the housing portion 16 of the fan 12, or carriedremotely and connected by an electrical cable. The helmet airconditioning unit 10 may be configured to include either or both of thesolar or battery power supplies for energizing the ventilating fan 12.When the air conditioning unit 10 is configured to include both thesolar and battery power supplies, the battery power supply may becoupled to power the electrical fan 12, while the solar power supply iscoupled to recharge the power battery supply. In this configuration, thebattery 20 assures a constant power supply to the fan 12, even whenexposure to sunlight is interrupted by overhead obstructions, and thesolar collector 14 a or 14 b recharges the battery 20 when exposure tosunlight is resumed.

FIG. 1 also illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 having an optionalauxiliary power port 22 that accepts an electrical cord for connectionto an external power supply, whereby the battery 20 can be recharged.

A fan controller 24 is provided for actuating the ventilating fan 12. Byexample and without limitation, the fan controller 24 is amulti-position switch that provides, for example, high, medium and lowsettings for the fan 12, as well as an OFF position setting for cuttingpower and stopping the fan 12. The switch fan controller 24 may alsoinclude an AUTO position setting coupled for controlling the operationof the fan 12 for automatically adjusting an internal temperature of thehelmet to a desirable level, for example, as a function of a thermostatpositioned within either the helmet ventilating ducts or the helmetinterior.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one conventional helmet 26 of atype that is commercially available. Helmet 26 includes a rigid outerprotective shell 27 having one or more ventilation duct forward intakeports 28 on the helmet front surface 30, for example above the faceplate 32, in fluid communication with air flow spaces within the helmet26. In normal operation of the helmet's ventilation system, the forwardintake ports 28 are configured in an open position and air is receivedinto the air flow spaces of the helmet's ventilation system underpressure when the wearer is, for example, riding a motorcycle when thehelmet 26 is a motorcycle helmet. When the motorcycle is stationary, noair is received into the forward intake ports 28 because the necessarypressure is only created by forward motion of the motorcycle.

Here, the fan 12 is mounted on the rear surface 34 of the helmet 26 withthe flexible remote solar collector 14 b conformed to the helmet crownsurface 36 and connected to the fan 12 by the electrical cord 18. Thuspositioned on the crown 36 of the helmet 26, the remote solar collector14 b is ideally positioned to receive a maximum amount of the sun's raysfor most efficiently recharging the battery 20 and ensuring that poweris constantly available to the fan 12.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the helmet 26 showing the flexibleremote solar collector 14 b conformed to the helmet crown surface 36. Asillustrated, the solar collector 14 b is sufficiently conformed to thehelmet crown surface 36 as to create little or no windage in addition tothat normally created by the helmet 26.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet 26 which includes one or moreventilation duct rear intake ports 38 on the helmet rear surface 34 andin fluid communication with air flow spaces within the helmet 26. Innormal operation of the helmet's ventilation system, air received intothe air flow spaces within the helmet's ventilation system througheither the forward intake ports 28 or rear intake ports 38.

FIG. 5 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26. Here, the fan 12 is mounted on the helmet's rear surface 34over the ventilation duct rear intake port 38. Thus positioned over theventilation duct rear intake port 38, the fan 12 is ideally positionedto force air into the air flow spaces within the helmet's ventilationduct system for most efficiently pressurizing the ventilation system andensuring that air flow is constantly available to the interior of thehelmet 26 to cool the wearer's head.

Here, by example, the air conditioning unit 10 is illustrated having theoptional battery pack 20 carried on-board the housing portion 16 of thefan 12. The flexible remote solar collector 14 b is conformed to thehelmet crown surface 36 and connected to the fan 12 by the electricalcord 18.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the helmet 26 with the airconditioning unit 10 having the fan 12 positioned over the ventilationduct rear intake port 38. As illustrated here, the fan housing 16 isconformed to the helmet surface 34 for forming an air seal 42 betweenthe fan 12 and the helmet surface 34. FIG. 6 illustrates the air flow(arrows) at the fan air intake 44 into the fan 12 for pressurizing theair flow spaces within the helmet's ventilation system.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the helmet 26 that illustrates oneembodiment of an exemplary helmet's ventilation duct system 46. Forexample, the helmet ventilation duct system 46 includes air flow spaces48 formed as air ducts that carry pressurized air flow 50 throughout thehelmet 26. The air flow spaces 48 communicate with multiple duct vents52 where pressurized air flows into the interior space 54 of the helmet26 to cool the wearer's head.

According to the invention, the ventilating fan 12 of the airconditioning unit 10 is operated to receive ambient air flow (arrows) atthe fan air intake 44 and generate the pressurized air flow 50. Asillustrated, an exhaust port 53 of the housing portion 16 of the fan 12is positioned in fluid communication with the rear intake port 38 which,in turn, is in fluid communication with the air flow spaces 48 of theventilation duct system 46. Thus positioned, the pressurized air flow 50generated by the fan 12 is communicated to the air flow spaces 48 of theventilation duct system 46 through the rear intake port 38. Thepressurized air flow 50 is delivered into the interior space 54 of thehelmet 26 through the duct vents 52.

The helmet's forward intake ports 28, when present, also communicatewith the ventilation duct system 46, but are normally closed duringoperation of the air conditioning unit 10 so that pressure through theforward intake ports 28 does not interfere with the pressurized air flow50 generated by the fan 12.

Optionally, the helmet air conditioning unit 10 also includes a coolingpad refrigeration element 55 situated in a position for cooling the airflow 50 before being delivered into the interior space 54 of the helmet26. By example and without limitation, the refrigeration element 55 is agel-type cooling pad of a type that is commercially available for usewith notebook computers and other computer for use with amini-refrigerator box, wherein the cooling pad is energized through apower cable connected for power to the computer through a USB (universalserial bus) connector. Such cooling pad refrigeration elements 55 aregenerally well-known, as shown for example by Cheng Yu Huang in UnitedStates Patent Application Publication 20100219729, Ser. No. 12/394,663,filed Feb. 27, 2009, the complete disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. Also, see, United States Patent ApplicationPublication 20100126695, Ser. No. 12/276,457, by Steve Gara filed Nov.24, 2008, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference, which teaches a portable device/appliance that operates viabattery power for cooling and heating beverages on a center circularmetallic object/pad. The appliance body is of square shape made of hardplastic with a circular metallic pad that includes an assembly thatheats and cools beverages with the help of a switch. It has anelectrical means by plug/adapter for connecting to a source of directcurrent and for enabling the polarity of the direct current provided tobe reversed so that the device can either heat or cool the beveragecontainer that is placed on the circular metallic object/pad. It alsohas the ability to heat and cool beverages by battery and by USB cableconnected to a PC/Computer with a USB outlet. Here, a power cable 57connects the refrigeration element 55 to either one of the remote solarcollectors 14 a, 14 b or the battery pack power supply 20, if present,for power. For example, the power cable 57 is connected through a USBport on the air conditioning unit 10.

Additionally, the refrigeration element 55 is optionally conformed tothe interior surface of the helmet 26 within the air flow spaces 48 ofthe helmet ventilation duct system 46, as shown. For example, therefrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surfaceof the helmet 26 by a bonding agent 59 such as by a coating of aconventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an adhesive gasketsuch that the refrigeration element 55 sticks to the helmet interiorsurface by temporary application of pressure.

Optionally, the refrigeration element 55 is of a flexible gel-typecooling element, whereby the refrigeration element 55 is optionallyconformable to the interior surface of the helmet 26 within the air flowspaces 48 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46, as shown. Forexample, the refrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to theinterior surface of the helmet 26 by the bonding agent 59.

Here, the pressurized air flow 50 is directed over the refrigerationelement 55 for super-cooling the air being directed into the helmet'sinterior space 54. Accordingly, the refrigantly cooled pressurized airflow 50 cools the helmet's interior space 54 more effectively than theuncooled ambient pressurized air flow 50 provided by the ventilating fan12 alone. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 10 optionally includesa thermal sensor 61, such as but not limited to a thermostat orthermocouple, for controlling the operation of either or both of the fan12 and/or the refrigeration element 55 for controlling a temperature ata comfortable level within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26.Accordingly, the thermal sensor 61 is situated in an appropriateposition within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 for measuringtemperature therein.

The thermal sensor 61, if present, controls the fan 12 and/or therefrigeration element 55 either individually or concurrently. Whencontrolled concurrently, the ventilating fan 12 and refrigerationelement 55 are both activated or deactivated concurrently as a functionof the operation of the thermal sensor 61 in response to sensing atemperature within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26. Whenalternatively controlled individually, the ventilating fan 12 andrefrigeration element 55 are separately activated or deactivatedconcurrently as a function of the operation of the thermal sensor 61,whereby the refrigeration element 55 can be activated and deactivated asa function of the operation of the thermal sensor 61 in response tosensing a temperature within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26,while the ventilating fan 12 can be separately controlled to continueoperation until the helmet interior space 54 reaches a different lowertemperature as sensed by the thermal sensor 61. Alternatively, thethermal sensor 61 is optionally configured to control activation anddeactivation only of the refrigeration element 55, as disclosed herein,while activation and deactivation of the ventilating fan 12 can beseparately controlled, as by the fan controller 24, such that the wearercan operate the ventilating fan 12 as desired for comfort.

When the thermal sensor 61 is a thermostat, the sensed temperature foractivation and deactivation of the refrigeration element 55 and/orventilating fan 12 is optionally adjustable by the wearer of the helmet26. When, in the alternative, the thermal sensor 61 is a thermocouple,the sensed temperature for activation and deactivation of therefrigeration element 55 and/or ventilating fan 12 is fixed to maintainthe helmet interior space 54 at a standard operating temperature.Optionally, the thermocouple can be replaceable for fixedly maintainingthe helmet interior space 54 at different standard operatingtemperatures for different ambient conditions.

Here, the fan housing 16 is illustrated having an anchor 56 adapted forsecuring the fan 12 to the helmet 26. For example, the anchor 56 couplesthe exhaust port 53 of the fan housing 16 to the rear intake port 38 ofthe helmet ventilation duct system 46 at the rear surface 34 of thehelmet 26. Accordingly, the fan 12 is removably coupled to the helmet 26by the anchor 56 without modifying the helmet 26. A gasket 58 isoptionally seated between the fan housing 16 and the helmet surface 34for sealing the exhaust port 53 of the fan housing 16 with the rearintake port 38. The gasket 58 ensures that the pressurized air flow 50generated by the fan 12 is applied to the helmet ventilation duct system46 through the rear intake port 38. Alternatively, the gasket 58 is anadhesive gasket that is substituted for the anchor 56. The adhesivegasket 58 operates for both sealing any air gap between the exhaust port53 of the housing portion 16 of the fan 12 and the rear intake port 38,and substitutes for the anchor 56 for adhering the fan housing 16 to thehelmet surface 34. For example, the adhesive gasket 58 is coated with aconventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) so the adhesive gasket 58sticks to the helmet surface 34 by temporary application of pressure.

FIG. 7 also illustrates the fan 12 being of a conventional rotarystructure having multiple fan blades 60 that may be curved in a mannerthat conforms to the helmet surface 34. The surface conforming blades 60provide the fan 12 with a low-profile while simultaneously maximizingthe pressure of the air flow 50 into the ventilation duct system 46.

FIG. 8 illustrates the helmet 26 of a conventional type having oneembodiment of a fin-type spoiler 62 positioned on the helmet crownsurface 36 near the rear surface 34. The fin spoiler 62 is normallyconfigured having one or more of the ventilation duct rear intake ports38 which communicate with air flow spaces 48 of the ventilation ductsystem 46 and the duct vents 52.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10 incombination with the helmet 26 having the fin-type spoiler 62. Here, thefan 12 is mounted on the helmet's rear surface 34. The fan housing 16 isconformed to the contours of the helmet's rear surface 34 and includesone or more extensions 64 that fit over the fin spoiler 62 and the rearintake ports 38. Ducting within the fan housing 16 carries the air flow50 pressurized by the fan 12 to the rear intake ports 38 forintroduction into the ventilation duct system 46. The fan housing 16includes a flexible clip 66 that secures the fan 12 to the helmet 26.For example, the clip 66 extends to the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26adjacent to the rear surface 34, and is sufficiently flexible to snaparound the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26.

According the embodiment illustrated here, the helmet air conditioningunit 10 includes the optional battery pack 20 carried on-board the fanhousing 16 for providing constant operating power to the fan 12, whichis controlled by the multi-position switch fan controller 24. Theexemplary air conditioning unit 10 also includes the on-board solarcollector 14 a mounted directly on the fan housing 16 for recharging thebattery 20.

FIG. 10 illustrates the helmet 26 of a conventional type having oneembodiment of a hood-type spoiler 70 positioned on the helmet crownsurface 36 near the rear surface 34. The hood spoiler 70 is alsonormally configured having one or more of the ventilation duct rearintake ports 38 which communicate with air flow spaces 48 of theventilation duct system 46 and the duct vents 52. However, the hoodspoiler 70 lower profile than the fin spoiler 62 and more aerodynamic.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70formed with the rear intake ports 38. As illustrated here, the hood-typespoiler 70 may be provided in combination with one or more of theventilation duct forward intake ports 28 on the helmet front surface 30.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10in combination with the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. Here,the fan 12 is again mounted on the helmet's rear surface 34. The fanhousing 16 is again conformed to the contours of the helmet's rearsurface 34. The fan housing 16 includes one or more crown extensions 72that fit over the hood-type spoiler 70 and the rear intake ports 38.Again, ducting within the fan housing 16 carries the air flow 50pressurized by the fan 12 to the rear intake ports 38 for introductioninto the ventilation duct system 46.

By example, the fan 12 is illustrated here as being a conventionalcentrifugal squirrel cage blower that may be curved in a manner thatconforms to the helmet surface 34. The centrifugal squirrel cageblower-type fan 12 has a low-profile that conforms to the helmet surface34 while simultaneously maximizing the pressure of the air flow 50 intothe ventilation duct system 46. The fan housing 16 again includes theclip 66 that secures the fan 12 to the helmet 26. Again, the clip 66extends to and around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34.

FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10 incombination with the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. Here,the helmet air conditioning unit 10 further includes the on-boardbattery pack power supply 20 carried on the fan housing 16 for providingconstant operating power to the fan 12, which is controlled by themulti-position switch fan controller 24. The air conditioning unit 10also optionally includes either the on-board solar collector 14 a or theconformable remote solar collector 14 b for recharging the battery 20.

FIG. 14 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. The fan housing 16 isillustrated having the extensions 72 that fit over the hood-type spoiler70 and the rear intake ports 38. The fan housing 16 includes, forexample, one or more forward fan air intake ports 71 to receive ambientair flow to the fan 12 for generating the pressurized air flow 50. Thefan housing clip 66 secures the fan 12 to the helmet 26 by snappingaround the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rear surface 34.The gasket 58 is optionally seated between the fan housing 16 and thehelmet surface 34 for sealing the fan 12 with the rear intake port 38maximizing the pressurized air flow 50 that is applied to the helmetventilation duct system 46 through the rear intake port 38. As disclosedherein, the gasket 58 may be an adhesive gasket that is substituted forthe anchor 56 and operates for both sealing any air gap between the fan12 and the rear intake port 38 adhering the fan housing 16 to the helmetsurface 34.

The fan 12 is controlled by the multi-position switch fan controller 24.The on-board battery pack power supply 20 is carried on the fan housing16 for providing constant operating power to the fan 12. Either theon-board solar collector 14 a or the conformable remote solar collector14 b is included for recharging the battery 20. When present, theon-board solar collector 14 a is configured to fit available space onthe surface 74 of the fan housing 16.

The battery 20 also can be recharged via an optional power cord 76(shown in phantom) connected to the optional auxiliary power port 22,when present. An auxiliary power adaptor 78 (shown in phantom) couplesthe power cord 76 into an external power supply, such as a motorcyclebattery charging system via a charging outlet, i.e., cigarette lighter.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the air conditioning unit 10 in combinationwith the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. The extensions 72 ofthe fan housing 16 are fitted over the hood-type spoiler 70 with theblades 60 of the centrifugal squirrel cage blower-type fan 12 positionedin close proximity to the rear intake ports 38. The blower-type fanblades 60 conform to the helmet surface 34, which permits the fanhousing 16 to have a sleek, low-profile contour while simultaneouslymaximizing the pressure of the air flow 50 into the ventilation ductsystem 46. The air flow (arrows) into the fan 12 is shown at the fan airintake 44. Pressurized air flow 50 generated by the fan 12 is appliedsubstantially directly to rear intake ports 38.

The fan 12 is optionally adhered to the helmet crown surface 36 and rearsurface 34 by the adhesive-type gasket 58 which also operates forsealing any air gap between the fan 12 and the helmet 26.

Alternatively, the fan 12 is removably coupled to the helmet 26 by theanchor 56 without modifying the helmet 26 and the non-adhesive gasket 58seals any air gaps. The clip 66 extends from the fan housing 16 and issnapped around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 for securing the fan 12to the rear surface 34 of the helmet 26. Additionally, the crownextensions 72 of the fan housing 16 are anchored to the helmet crownsurface 36, as detailed herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates the helmet 26 having anchors 80 attached to thecrown surface 36. The anchors 80 are of any type of receiver capable ofreleasable connection with mating anchors provided on the fan housing16. For example, the anchors 80 may be male or female portions of asnap, with the mating snap portion of the anchor being provided on thefan housing 16.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of one alternative anchor mechanism 82that includes both the anchors 80 and mating anchor receivers 84provided on the fan housing 16. For example, bonds 86 securely adhere apair of the anchors 80 to the helmet crown surface 36. The crownextensions 72 of the fan housing 16 are formed with mating anchorreceivers 84 that fit into and mate with the anchors 80 on the helmet26. In one embodiment, the anchors 80 have a button head 86 shaped likea mushroom on a stem 88 projected slightly above the helmet surface 36,while the mating anchor receivers 84 each have a lip 90 positioned toslip under the button head 86. When the fan housing clip 66 is snappedaround the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26, the lips 90 of the receivers 84are drawn backwardly against the under the button heads 86 and seatedagainst the stems 88 of the anchors 80. The fan housing clip 66 thusprevents the anchor receivers 84 from disengaging from the anchors 80and effectively secures the alternative anchor mechanism 82. The gasket58 is compressed between the fan housing 16 and the helmet surfaces 34,36 for sealing potential air gaps.

FIG. 18 is a section view through the fan 12 and fan housing 16 of thehelmet air conditioning unit 10. As illustrated, the inner surface 92 ofthe fan 12 and housing 16 that is contoured to mate with the helmet 26.

For example, the fan 12 is contoured to match the helmet rear surface34, with remainder of the fan housing 16 contoured to match the helmetsurfaces 34, 36. The fan 12 is illustrated as a centrifugal squirrelcage blower having the blower-type fan blades 60 conformed to thecurvature of the helmet surface 34, whereby the fan housing 16 has asleek, low-profile contour when fitted on the helmet 26.

The fan housing 16 is configured having one or more exhaust ports 94positioned in direct fluid communication with the squirrel cage blowerfan 12. The fan housing 16 is further configured to position the one ormore exhaust ports 94 of the squirrel cage blower fan 12 substantiallydirectly opposite from rear intake ports 38 of the helmet's ventilationduct system 46 when coupled to the helmet 26. Furthermore, the fanhousing 16 is configured with internal ducting 96 that is structured toposition the one or more exhaust ports 94 in direct fluid communicationwith the squirrel cage blower fan 12 and to further direct thepressurized air flow 50 generated by the squirrel cage blower fan 12substantially directly into the rear intake ports 38 of the helmet'sventilation duct system 46, as illustrated by arrows 98.

Optionally, the helmet air conditioning unit 10 includes therefrigeration element 55 mounted in the fan housing 16 situated in aposition for cooling the air flow 50 before being delivered into theinterior space 54 of the helmet 26. For example, the refrigerationelement 55 is mounted within the internal ducting 96 of the fan housing16 in a position adjacent to the one or more exhaust ports 94 of theventilating fan 12, for example, by means of the bonding agent 59, withthe power cable 57 connecting the refrigeration element 55 to either oneof the remote solar collectors 14 a, 14 b or the battery pack powersupply 20, if present, for power. The flexible clip 66 is furtherdetailed to show a finger 100 adjacent to its extreme end distal fromthe fan housing 16 with the finger 100 being configured to snap aroundthe neck lip 68 of the helmet 26.

FIG. 19 illustrates the inner surface 92 of the fan 12 and housing 16that is contoured to mate with the helmet rear surface 34. Here, the fan12 is the squirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades 60 thatare conformed to the curvature of the helmet surface 34. The internalducting 96 of the fan housing 16 is structured to direct the pressurizedair flow 50 generated by the squirrel cage blower fan 12 substantiallydirectly into the rear intake ports 38 of the helmet's ventilation ductsystem 46 (arrows 98).

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10structured for operation with the helmet 26 being of a type, such as ahardhat that is commercially available, or a conventional militarycombat helmet. The helmet 26 includes the rigid outer protective shell27 of a type having neither forward intake ports 28 nor rear intakeports 38. Positive air flow is provided to the interior space 54 of thehelmet 26 via output air ducting 102 of the fan housing 16 that directsthe air flow around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34. The fan housing 16 has The fan housing 16 includes, forexample, the one or more forward fan air intake ports 71 to receiveambient air flow to the fan 12 for generating the pressurized air flow50. Battery 20 may be situated with the neck lip air ducting 102, asshown, or elsewhere according to designer's preference or as a functionof design constraints. The neck lip air ducting 102 is positionedadjacent to its extreme end distal from the fan housing 16 andconfigured to wrap around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26. Optionally,the neck lip air ducting 102 is flexible and configured to snap aroundthe neck lip 68 for clipping to the helmet 26.

FIG. 21 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 having neck lip airducting 102 in combination with the helmet 26 having neither forwardintake ports 28 nor rear intake ports 38. The helmet 26 is shown withthe on-board battery pack power supply 20 carried on the fan housing 16.Either the on-board solar collector 14 a and/or the conformable remotesolar collector 14 b (shown) is included for recharging the battery 20.Of course, the on-board solar collector 14 a may also be the conformabletype for conforming to the fan housing 16.

As shown for illustration only, the helmet 26 includes a relativelythick liner 113 of a suitable cushioning material. Else, the liner 113is formed of a suitable anti-ballistic protective material, such asKevlar®. A relatively thin inner cover 114 covers the interior of theliner 113. The marginal edge of the helmet 26 is mounted on the user'shead 101 (phantom lines) by an arcuate mounting band 115 surrounding thehelmet interior space 54. As shown here, the mounting band 115 is formedof a thick cushioning pad surrounding the helmet interior 154 andsuspended therein in a position spaced circumferentially inwardly awayfrom the liner 113. The helmet ventilation duct system 46 is formedsubstantially between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115,which form therebetween the air flow spaces 48 that carry pressurizedair flow 50 throughout the helmet 26. The pressurized air flows (arrows)through the air flow spaces 48 into the interior space 54 of the helmet26 to cool the wearer's head 101.

The neck lip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluid communication with theexhaust port 94 of the fan housing 16 and the ventilating fan 12 suchthat the positive air flow is directed via the air ducting 102 aroundthe neck lip 68 and through an exhaust port 117 thereof into theinterior space 54 of the helmet 26 adjacent to its rear surface 34.

According to one embodiment, the terminal exhaust port 117 is positionedadjacent to the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rearsurface 34. According to this embodiment, upon exiting the terminalexhaust port 117, the pressurized air flow 50 is directed by the necklip air ducting 102 upwardly along the helmet liner 113 adjacent to thehelmet's rear surface 34 toward the air flow spaces 48 between thehelmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115, thence into the helmetinterior space 54 over the wearer's head 101. The pressurized air flow50 freely swirls (arrows 50 a) in the space 54 a above wearer's head 101to more effectively circulate within the helmet interior space 54 andcool the wearer's head 101. As further illustrated here, a portion 50 bof the pressurized air flow 50 is allowed to exit the terminal exhaustport 117 adjacent to the helmet's neck lip 68 before reaching the airflow spaces 48 to blow against the back of the wearer's neck 101 a.

Alternatively, the neck lip air ducting 102 is extended (dashed) alongthe helmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet's rear surface 34 intocommunication with the air flow spaces 48 between the helmet liner 113and the mounting band 115. Accordingly, the terminal exhaust port 117 ofthe neck lip air ducting 102 is inserted directly into the air flowspaces 48 between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115,whereby the pressurized air flow 50 is forced into the air flow spaces48, thence into the helmet interior space 54 over the wearer's head 101.The extended neck lip air ducting 102 optionally includes one or aplurality of neck duct vents 152 wherethrough pressurized air flows intothe interior space 54 of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's neck 101 a.

The mounting band 115 may include a plurality of the duct vents 52communicating between the air flow spaces 48 and the helmet interiorspace 54. In either the shortened configuration having the neck lip airducting 102 terminated in an exhaust port 117 adjacent to the neck lip68 of the helmet 26, or the extended configuration having the neck lipair ducting 102 extended to position the terminal exhaust port 117 incommunication with the air flow spaces 48, the pressurized air flowsthrough the duct vents 52 into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 tocool the wearer's head 101.

Optionally, the helmet air conditioning unit 10 having the neck lip airducting 102 also includes the cooling pad refrigeration element 55situated in a position for cooling the air flow 50 before beingdelivered into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26. Again, asdisclosed herein by example and without limitation, the refrigerationelement 55 is a gel-type cooling pad of a type that is commerciallyavailable for use with notebook computers and other computer for usewith a mini-refrigerator box, wherein the cooling pad is energizedthrough a power cable connected for power to the computer through a USB(universal serial bus) connector. As further disclosed herein, a powercable 57 connects the refrigeration element 55 for power to either oneof the remote solar collectors 14 a, 14 b or the battery pack powersupply 20, if present, such as being connected through a USB port on theair conditioning unit 10.

As further disclosed herein, the refrigeration element 55 is optionallyconformed to the interior surface of the helmet 26 within the air flowspaces 48 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46, as shown. Forexample, the refrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to theinterior surface of the helmet 26 by the bonding agent 59 such as acoating of a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or anadhesive gasket such that the refrigeration element 55 sticks to thehelmet interior surface by temporary application of pressure.

As further disclosed herein, the refrigeration element 55 is optionallya flexible gel-type cooling element, whereby the refrigeration element55 is optionally conformable to the interior surface of the helmet 26within the air flow spaces 48 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46,as shown. For example, the refrigeration element 55 is optionallymounted to the interior surface of the helmet 26 by the bonding agent59.

As further disclosed herein, the pressurized air flow 50 is directedover the refrigeration element 55 for super-cooling the air beingdirected into the helmet's interior space 54.

Accordingly, the refrigantly cooled pressurized air flow 50 cools thehelmet's interior space 54 more effectively than the uncooled ambientpressurized air flow 50 provided by the ventilating fan 12 alone.

As further disclosed herein, the air conditioning unit 10 optionallyincludes the thermal sensor 61, such as but not limited to a thermostator thermocouple, for controlling the operation of either or both of thefan 12 and/or the refrigeration element 55, either individually orconcurrently, for controlling a temperature at a comfortable levelwithin the interior space 54 of the helmet 26. Accordingly, as furtherdisclosed herein, the thermal sensor 61 is situated in an appropriateposition within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 for measuringtemperature therein.

FIG. 22 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 having neck lip airducting 102 in combination with the helmet 26 having neither forwardintake ports 28 nor rear intake ports 38. The helmet 26 is shown withthe on-board battery pack power supply 20 carried on the fan housing 16.Either the on-board solar collector 14 a (shown) and/or the conformableremote solar collector 14 b is included for recharging the battery 20.Of course, when present, the remote solar collector 14 b may also be theconformable type for conforming to the fan housing 16.

As shown in FIG. 21 for illustration only, the helmet 26 includes arelatively thick liner 113 of a suitable cushioning material. Else, theliner 113 is formed of a suitable anti-ballistic protective material,such as Kevlar®. A relatively thin inner cover 114 covers the interiorof the liner 113. The marginal edge of the helmet 26 is mounted on theuser's head 101 (phantom lines) by an arcuate mounting band 115surrounding the helmet interior space 54. As shown here, the mountingband 115 is formed of a thick cushioning pad surrounding the helmetinterior 154 and suspended therein in a position spacedcircumferentially inwardly away from the liner 113. The helmetventilation duct system 46 is formed substantially between the helmetliner 113 and the mounting band 115, which form therebetween the airflow spaces 48 that carry pressurized air flow 50 throughout the helmet26. The pressurized air flows (arrows) through the air flow spaces 48into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's head101.

As shown in FIG. 21, the neck lip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluidcommunication with the exhaust port 94 of the fan housing 16 and theventilating fan 12 such that the positive air flow is directed via theair ducting 102 around the neck lip 68 and through an exhaust port 117thereof into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 adjacent to its rearsurface 34.

Here, the fan housing 16 includes, for example, the one or more side fanair intake ports 104 to receive ambient air flow to the fan 12 forgenerating the pressurized air flow 50. The neck lip air ducting 102 iscoupled in fluid communication with one or two (shown) of the side fanair intake ports 104 situated on opposite sides of the ventilating fan12 and adjacent to the terminal exhaust port 117 (shown in FIG. 21) thatis positioned adjacent to the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent tothe rear surface 34. This close proximity of the side fan air intakeports 104 to the terminal exhaust port 117 of neck lip air ducting 102operates more effectively delivers intake air near the termination port117 so that the air conditioning unit 10 operates more efficiently.

As shown in FIG. 21, upon exiting the terminal exhaust port 117, thepressurized air flow 50 is directed by the neck lip air ducting 102upwardly along the helmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet's rearsurface 34 toward the air flow spaces 48 between the helmet liner 113and the mounting band 115, thence into the helmet interior space 54 overthe wearer's head 101. The pressurized air flow 50 freely swirls (arrows50 a) in the space 54 a above wearer's head 101 to more effectivelycirculate within the helmet interior space 54 and cool the wearer's head101. As further illustrated here, a portion 50 b of the pressurized airflow 50 is allowed to exit the terminal exhaust port 117 adjacent to thehelmet's neck lip 68 before reaching the air flow spaces 48 to blowagainst the back of the wearer's neck 101 a.

While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of theinvention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciatedthat various changes can be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be appreciatedthat various changes can be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes thefollowing claims.

1: A helmet air conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmethaving air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet airconditioning unit comprising: an electrical ventilating fan comprising ahousing portion comprising one or more exhaust ports positionable influid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior spaceof the helmet; a battery power supply connected to energize the fan; asolar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and afan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating apressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housingportion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed throughthe one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when thefan is actuated. 2: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1, whereinthe one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan arefurther positioned in fluid communication with the air flow spaceswithin the interior space of the helmet; and the pressurized air flow isfurther directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housingportion of the fan into the air flow spaces within the interior space ofthe helmet when the fan is actuated. 3: The helmet air conditioning unitof claim 2, wherein the housing portion further comprises one or moreside fan air intake ports in fluid communication with the fan. 4: Thehelmet air conditioning unit of claim 1, further comprising a coolingelement that is positionable within the pressurized air flow generatedby the fan. 5: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1, furthercomprising means for releasably coupling the housing portion to thehelmet with the one or more exhaust ports being coupled in fluidcommunication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of thehelmet. 6: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1, furthercomprising means for coupling the one or more exhaust ports of thehousing portion of the fan in fluid communication with a ventilationduct system resident in the helmet. 7: The helmet air conditioning unitof claim 6, wherein the means for coupling the one or more exhaust portsof the housing portion of the fan in fluid communication with aventilation duct system resident in the helmet further comprises a meansfor coupling the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of thefan in fluid communication with one or more intake ports resident on thehelmet and in fluid communication with the ventilation duct systemresident in the helmet. 8: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 6,wherein the means for coupling the one or more exhaust ports of thehousing portion of the fan in fluid communication with a ventilationduct system resident in the helmet further comprises a means for ductingthe pressurized air flow around a neck lip of the helmet and into theinterior space of the helmet. 9: The helmet air conditioning unit ofclaim 1, further comprising a thermal control unit coupled forcontrolling the fan as a function of a sensed temperature. 10: A helmetair conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmet having aventilation duct system resident in the helmet and communicating with aninterior space of the helmet, the helmet air conditioning unitcomprising: an electrical ventilating fan comprising a housing portionstructured for coupling to a helmet and further comprising: one or morefan air intake ports in fluid communication with the fan, and one ormore exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with one or moreintake ports resident on the helmet and the ventilation duct systemresident in the helmet; a rechargeable battery power supply connected toenergize the fan; a solar power supply coupled to recharge the powerbattery supply; and a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan forgenerating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports ofthe housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow isdirected through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion ofthe fan when the fan is actuated. 11: The helmet air conditioning unitof claim 10, further comprising a cooling pad refrigeration elementpositioned for cooling the pressurized air flow. 12: The helmet airconditioning unit of claim 11, further comprising a thermal control unitcoupled for controlling the cooling pad refrigeration element as afunction of a sensed temperature. 13: The helmet air conditioning unitof claim 10, further comprising an anchor mechanism structured forreleasably anchoring the housing portion to the helmet with the one ormore exhaust ports being coupled in fluid communication with theventilation duct system resident in the helmet. 14: The helmet airconditioning unit of claim 13, further comprising a flexible clipstructured for securing the fan housing to a neck lip of the helmetadjacent to a rear surface thereof. 15: The helmet air conditioning unitof claim 14, further comprising a thermal sensor positioned forcontrolling the actuating of the fan as a function of a temperaturesensed within the helmet. 16: A helmet air conditioning unit configuredfor operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interiorspace thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit comprising: anelectrical ventilating fan comprising a housing portion structured forremovably coupling to a helmet and further comprising: one or more fanair intake ports in fluid communication with the fan, and neck lipoutput air ducting structured for wrapping around a neck lip of thehelmet, and the neck lip output air ducting further comprising one ormore exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flowspaces within an interior space of the helmet; a rechargeable batterypower supply connected to energize the fan; a solar power supply coupledto recharge the power battery supply; and a fan controller coupled foractuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one ormore exhaust ports of the neck lip output air ducting of the housingportion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed throughthe neck lip output air ducting of the housing portion of the fan andthe one or more exhaust ports thereof when the fan is actuated. 17: Thehelmet air conditioning unit of claim 16, further comprising a coolingpad refrigeration element positioned for cooling a portion of thepressurized air flow. 18: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 17,further comprising a thermal control unit coupled for controlling thecooling pad refrigeration element as a function of a sensed temperature.19: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 16, further comprising oneor more anchors structured for releasably anchoring the housing portionto the helmet with the neck lip output air ducting being wrapped arounda neck lip of the helmet, and the one or more exhaust ports beingcoupled in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within aninterior space of the helmet. 20: The helmet air conditioning unit ofclaim 19, further comprising a thermal sensor positioned for controllingthe actuating of the fan as a function of a sensed temperature.